So Proud of My Orioles

Normally, Saturday morning is reserved for my college football picks, but I thought today I would talk about some good news. I also wanted to let everyone know why I did not pick any games last week. So this Saturday we are taking a different course here at RAN.

First, my son was born on the 2nd so last week my focus was entirely on him and this miracle of life. He is sleeping now and I thought it an appropriate time to announce the news here. He is an awesome bundle of joy. He's also an Orioles and Noles fan already. In fact, his 1st ever sporting event that he watched was the Orioles PLAYOFF VICTORY over the Rangers last Friday. A picture of our little guy is right below. He loves his Orioles already.

He was so proud and happy that he got to see that game even though he was so little. No joke he even raised his hands above his head and smiled after every Chris Davis hit. Even when it looked like he was sleeping. I guess Chris Davis is his favorite player so far. He did cry after the game last night, but after I told him everything was ok and that next year will be better he was fine.

That's just the thing, next year will absolutely better and this year was quite the ride.

These Orioles were supposed to finish in last, but they made the playoffs, and even advanced in the playoffs.
They were supposed to lose 100 games, but they actually won 96.
They were supposed to perhaps be the worst team in baseball, but they were one of the best.
What a magical season!

These guys battled with a team that had twice their payroll tooth and nail in the playoffs. Sure it ended poorly and on a poor note. (Although McLouth hit a homer that completely would have turned the game that was ruled a foul). However, they never gave up and kept battling.

Let's talk about what they overcame.
Their biggest offseason signing, Tsuyoshi Wada, never pitched a game.
Brian Roberts their 3rd highest paid player, played in about 10 games total.
3/5 of their starting rotation to open the season had to be demoted to the minors.
Nick Markakis the club's most consistent hitter and fielder spent two trips on the DL, including a stint that didn't allow him to play in the playoffs.
Jason Hammel had multiple trips to the DL, and he was the club's most consistent starter.
Nolan Reimold was out early for the season and he was doing a great job as the leadoff hitter.
The club was a disaster defensively until Manny Machado got brought up.
Their bullpen went through numerous injuries.

This team just overcame and overcame and overcame and it all comes down to Buck. Showalter had perhaps the best managing job ever this season. The guy pushed all the right buttons. He always came through. It seemed like he never made a mistake. I didn't agree with every decision, but I could not have done a better job. Nobody could have done a better job. Buck made it happen. I will grade individual players in the coming months and days. I think Wieters among others deserves a bulk of the credit, but most of it has to go to Buck. If I was grading Buck Showalter's performance he would get A+++++. The guy was absolutely amazing in the dugout this year. I am thrilled that he is on our side, and thrilled with the future of our Baltimore Orioles. Noland Jr. and Jenna are thrilled as well. We got Buck on our side and the future is very bright for these Orioles.

-Noland